Cumbersome but desirable-Breaking the code of everyday cycling

Area of Science:

• Sustainable transportation
• Family mobility
• Public health

Background:

• Integrating physical activity (PA) into daily routines is crucial for health.
• Parents with young children face barriers to sustainable transport, often favoring car use.
• Understanding parents' experiences with cycling is vital for promoting active transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences, motives, perceptions, attitudes, and norms of parents with young children using various bike types for daily travel.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to sustainable transport choices for families.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted with 18 parents of young children in southern Norway.
• Data were collected over nine months, covering autumn, winter, and spring.
• Analysis involved systematic text condensation using NVivo V.11.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified were 'cycling is cumbersome', 'cycling reflects the desirable me', and 'breaking the cycling code'.
• Barriers included time constraints, planning, logistics, weather, distance, and lack of habit.
• Children's positive attitudes towards cycling were a significant facilitator, with children preferring cycling over driving.

Conclusions:

• Despite challenges like adverse weather, parents may find cycling desirable, especially when children enjoy it.
• Increased bike access can enhance the feasibility of daily cycling for families.
• Promoting cycling requires addressing logistical barriers and leveraging children's enthusiasm.